Northeastern University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Northeastern is actively trying to build its reputation in the world of academia. In recent years, the average overall SAT scores have risen about 100 points, and the student body at NU generally seems to be smarter and of a higher caliber. This was not always the case, but current students can be assured that, upon their graduation, it will mean more to have attended this institution. When you choose a college or university, you want to make sure that it fits with your academic capabilities—just because you are accepted somewhere does not mean it is right for you academically. Northeastern students are very different from one another. There are huge slackers who never go to class, while others are diligent and hardworking, never settling for below an A-.

The professors here can seem inconsistent. Almost all of the math and science teachers are foreign, which can be troublesome if they are not comfortable with English. Some professors are merely assistants or adjuncts, and students can feel like they are not getting their money’s worth out of the class. However, some professors are experts in their fields, such as former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis and criminologist Jack Levin. The professors have won scholarly honors, written books, and appeared on television. Overall, the faculty help make the academic experience. Northeastern is also known for its co-op program—a majority of students participate, but it's not required. Students can complete up to three six-month co-ops during five years at the University, which means they will leave with 18 months of work experience.

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Students Speak Out

docgoat says: Northeastern University 2013 Business

There are some great profs, but... There are some great profs, but every so often you get someone who makes you question your tuition bill. 12345 Academics: May 11, 2009 Report

huskie11 says: Northeastern University 2011 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

If you are in any of the more... If you are in any of the more difficult majors (engineering, architecture, pharmacy, or physical therapy), expect to spend a whole lot of time studying. You can't breeze through these as you can some of the more liberal majors. 12345 Academics: February 15, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The majority of the professors... The majority of the professors I’ve had at Northeastern have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful. All of the classes in my major have been interesting, however, the general classes that I need for my core requirement (algebra, English, and history) are not only boring, but a waste of time and money. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most professors are informative,... Most professors are informative, although you will find that some teachers don’t know what they are talking about. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I think the teachers are, for the... I think the teachers are, for the most part, very educated, but it depends on the person. You can’t really generalize because it’s a very individual thing. I think most of my classes are interesting because overall, I am interested in the content of my major. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Former presidential candidate (and Massachusetts governor) Michael Dukakis works at NU. He teaches public policy, and state and local government. Also, Jack Levin, a well-known sociologist (he’s appeared on Oprah!) teaches Criminology.

The Snell Library opened in 1990 and is a $35 million resource center. Spatially, it is the largest academic library in Boston and has shelving for 1.2 million volumes and seats 2,800 users. The library houses 3 microcomputer labs and has over 300 computer workstations for students. The InfoCommons computer lab is open 24 hours a day.

Northeastern belongs to the Boston Library Consortium, which means NU students can visit other libraries including BC, Brandeis, BU, MIT, UMass (Boston, Lowell, Amherst, and Dartmouth), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Tufts, Wellesley, Brandeis, and the Boston Public Library. Students can use their NU I.D. card to use other facilities and take out books and other periodicals.

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Name: Amanda Golden
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Major: Sociology/Psychology

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